09/03/2026
5 ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐, 1 ๐ฉ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐! ๐ฅ๐ฅ
They say it takes a village, but for the 1๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ธ๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฎ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐, it only took five. After a full year of intensive planning, our small but mighty Pampanga team turned a massive dream into a reality.
A huge salute to our core five for making the impossible happen: Branch Chief Sensei Denisse Joy Herrera for her leadership, Lloyd Cayaban and ใใชใชใน ใธใงใผใธ (George Barrios) for coaching our fighters to greatness, Denise Cayaban for capturing every moment and creating our promotional designs, and Laurenz Cayaban for anchoring the event as our main tournament staff.
Lloyd, you led by example in every sense. As our Operations Manager, you ensured the day ran smoothly, and as a fighter, you showed your students exactly why you are their coach. You stood your ground, blocked every strike, and proved that a Kapampangan warrior never backs down. Because of your dedication, our fighters were never alone on that mat.
To our fighters, you are the true pride of Pampanga. Matteo Gabriel Abrau, Gabriel Kong, Eloise Kaliyah Ercilla, and Sheree Hope Cagang, we are so proud of your bravery and the grit you showed; you never bowed to any challenge.
Joseph Charles Gomez, your performance was incredible for your rank and proved exactly why you earned that orange stripe.
Evan Matthias Villavicencio, you completely dominatedโthat maegeri was clinical, sending your opponent flying.
Marquz Emanuelle Santos, preparing a Kata in only one week is no small feat, but you proved your blue-stripe belt and double promotion were well-deserved.
John Herbert Cagang, despite taking multiple hits on the face, you kept your head held high, showing the world the integrity, humility, and grace of a true Kapampangan.
Elliot Jacob Quito, you worked hard for that Champion title. Even though you kept losing in our dojo, at least you've now seen our elite standard and what it takes to reach the top. You never showed mercy and kept grinding until your opponent was down.
We also want to thank our experienced hosts, local celebrity and DJ Royce Glanida and Asch Kyle Luy, for their amazing skills and for keeping the crowd hyped.
To the Pampanga Team sidekick Mr. Anthony Leroy Augustine, and to Mrs. Ems Carpio-Santos and Mr. Matek Santos for being just one call away for setup and supportโthis also success belongs to all of you.
Special thanks to Mineko Nyaw, Rainier John Alvarez, Karoll Xavier Talla, Ivy Marie Locsin Talla, and Dayne Medaruye for your incredible support. Thank you for assisting our main staff and for being the loudest voices cheering on the Pampanga team!
Pampanga, be proud of your fighters and the team that stood behind them! This is just the beginning.
Osu! ๐๐ฅ
